MY SHIP'S COME IN

I just received the phone call I've been waiting for.

The boat has landed and the books are at Gibbs Smith in Utah.

I will have copies in Virginia by early next week.

FOUND TIME

It looks like my internet problems have been solved and I will once again be able to connect with the world at large. On days when I couldn’t log on, I discovered “found” time to do some of the other things I love.

I finally uploaded garden photos taken two weeks before.

I began to win the war on weeds.
I designed a new front staircase.

I had more time to plan and cook for a lavish retirement party to celebrate my husband's retiring from government service.The grand antipasto was a big hit with his co-workers.

I baked homemade muffins from fresh-picked fruit for my son (who is in town for his dad’s retirement festivities).

I finished knitting a gift for a friend.
I spent time watching my backyard wildlife.

And I read a lot about the Amalfi Coast and Campania region of Italy, where I am heading in early July.

Perhaps, I’ve discovered the riddle of modern life. Can a person be too busy communicating to actually do things worthy of communicating about?

*** BLOGS DU JOUR ***

Take a trip without leaving home.

Travel the coast of Italy at Ciao Amalfi with expat travel writer Laura as your guide. Her sense of adventure and lovely photos will keep you coming back for more.

For a French connection visit Tara at Paris Parfait. A talented photographer and woman of many interests, Tara is an American living la vie Parisienne since 2001. C’est bon!

WIN! WIN! WIN!

It's not too late to win a free copy of my new book Waterside Styles. Visit www.watersidestyles and Join My Mailing List.

One lucky name will be chosen to win a free copy of the book (winner to be chosen the day I receive the books from Gibbs Smith).

If you've already ordered a copy and win, I'll refund your purchase price or you can request the prize copy for a friend.

How's that for a good deal?

DOLLAR DAYS

Sorry for the delay in announcing the lucky winner of my sand dollar necklace giveaway. I am having some serious internet and mail issues which hopefully will be resolved soon.

Elyse of Tinkered Treasures is the lucky winner!

Blog-i-versary

I am so happy you stopped by today!(To win this necklace, see below)

It's The Book Blog’s two-year anniversary!
Please have a pastry.

Two years ago on June 3rd:
* Photographer Dan Mayers and I had just signed a book contract from Gibbs Smith for our Waterside Cottage book.

* I had just quit my job.

* My son Fred was entering his senior year at UCLA
One Year ago:
* The book was in production.

* Dan was the father of 5-day old twins.

* I had two other major projects in the works.

* My son Fred had gotten a great job at KAA Design Group in Los Angeles, and

* I was enjoying fresh eggs from my full-grown chickens.
Today:
* The book is about to go on sale.

* Dan’s twins have just celebrated their first birthday.

* I am a regular contributor to a variety of Log Home magazines.

* My son Fred was laid off and started his own Design Firm, Freelance Republic.

* I have a brand new web site (which Fred designed).

* A 1923 baby grand piano has taken up residence in a corner of my office.

* I am still enjoying fresh eggs from my chickens.

Enough about me, let’s talk about YOU.

ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY: As a little thank you, I will send one lucky reader Ruth Welter's beautiful hand-painted necklace. All you have to do, is leave a comment on this post between now and June 14th (Flag Day).It's my way of saying thank you for your encouragement, creativity and support.

TWO MORE THINGS
1- By special request: Several bloggers have sent me emails asking if they can enter the contest more than once. Sure!

Just link to this post and let me know... and you're entered again.

2- I've also gotten the word that some folks are unable to add their name to the newsletter list on my website (which enters you in my free book giveaway.) Sorry for the inconvenience. It's a technical glitch that is being worked on. It has to do with older servers or something like that.